World Cup: South African Win Against France Not Enough

It was a hit and miss day for the World Cup hosts this afternoon when they beat France but failed to qualify.

Group A ended with Mexico vs Uruguay and South Africa vs France played simultaneously. Uruguay edged out a 1-0 victory against Mexico when Suarez scored the only goal of the game before halftime.

That result seemed to work for South Africa but the hosts were also hoping for a big win against France to help them through. Khumalo scored for the hosts with just twenty minutes gone and when Gourcuff saw red from the French on twenty-five minutes he gave them the hope they needed.

The noise of the vuvuzelas was deafening as Mphela doubled the lead before halftime and gave South Africa a strong chance to qualify. Malouda ended South African hopes with a seventieth minute goal though and South Africa became the first hosts to fail to make it past the Group stage.

They did have something to show for their efforts though with a 2-1 victory over France who have had a shocking tournament both off and on the pitch, and finish deservedly bottom of the group.

The World Cup is heating up now as each day brings about the climax of two more Groups. Keep your eyes peeled for the results and for the big games (with questions still hanging over big teams such as Italy, England and Spain).

David Jester is the author of An Idiot in Love, This is How You Die and other novels. He writes under three different pen names, works as a freelancer and also owns several websites, including Ways-to-Die.com. If you wish to hire David you can find his profile on Upwork and through his SEO and writing business Compulsion Media.